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Robert Smith
Through work and education experience I have developed a great interest in business processes and the flow of information between functional components of an organisation.
My work experience is quite diverse and has given me insights into a wide variety of markets and value chains, and the motivations of corporates and individuals involved in business growth initiatives. Experience in the investment advice industry allowed me to learn client management, operational and budget planning, together with the technical and regulatory aspects of the industry.
Further education and development have followed me through all roles in one way or another, and my most recent role as a PhD fellow is another example. Data analysis, programming and the Danish economy as the central learning elements.
Education
PhD. Fellow, Macroeconomics
Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark
2020 - 2016
- Working on structural econometric models of the main institutional sectors of the economy
- Project participant in micro-data analysis of Danish graduate migration
Master of Commerce, Financial Markets
Rhodes University
Grahamstown, South Africa
2015 - 2008
- University based courses and industry entrance examinations for financial and derivatives markets
- Thesis: Balance sheet sources of change in the money stock
Research Experience
Research Assistant: ReDY
Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark
2019 - 2018
- A four month leave from my PhD to be a part of the Regional Dynamics research project.
- Analysis of Danish administrative micro-data using a combination of SAS and R.
- Visualisation of inflow and outflow dynamics across several dimensions. Gender, level of education, gender, degree of urbanisation in municipal of residence.
Research Assistant: MaMTEP
Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark
2016
- Data sourcing and preparation for modelling purposes
- Extension of writing from master’s thesis
Industry Experience
I have worked in several quite different roles, ranging from market researcher to workflow developer. In each role there was a strong focus on learning and the improvement of the working environment around me.
Operations Consultant
Asset Protection International (API)
Port Shepstone, RSA
2015 - 2014
- Operations and budget planning. Redesign and implementation of workflows and a new electronic file storage system. Introduction of electronic document signing, allowing administrators to adjust client documents in real-time so as to avoid multiple client visits.
- Review of company compliance and revision of employment contracts. Writing of corporate and risk mitigation policies. Introduction of employee education and development funding.
Operations Manager
Asset Protection International (API)
Port Shepstone, RSA
2014 - 2012
- Successfully mapped and streamlined back office processing and the financial advice process to ensure legal compliance and high-quality client services. Prepared. 5 regions in 9 offices. Workflows, document and template development, discussions, training and revisions.
Research analyst
Frost & Sullivan International
Cape Town, RSA
2012 - 2011
- Project scoping, primary interviews, secondary data and information sourcing. PowerPoint project deliverables were presented in person to high profile corporate clients.
Teaching Experience
Teaching is an extraordinary way to connect with people and to share your enthusiasm for a subject. It gives me great satisfaction to support and promote the strengths of the people I have had the opportunity to guide.
Mathematics for economists: Linear Algebra
Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark
2019 - 2018
- Lecturer
- A basic introduction to linear algebra with simple applications in R
- Undergraduate class
Course coordinator: Introduction to R and Python
Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark
2019 - 2018
- Coordinator
- All modules are provided through DataCamp, and I simply provide guidance and administer the progress of students.
- All levels of student may attend, and up until the first semester 2019 group, participation was entirely voluntary.
Supervision and oral examinations
Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark
2019 - 2017
- Supervisor
- Supervision and examination of semester projects in semesters 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Member of the KORS Data Manager Network
Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark
2019 - 2018
- Member
- Participant in semi-annual meetings of the data managers from various research institutes and universities in Denmark.
- The meetings are facilitated by KOR (koordinerende organ for registerforskning, KOR), and Danmarks Statistik
Selected Publications
The final components of my PhD should be complete within the next few months. These will also be submitted for publication with recognised academic journals after the PhD has been assessed by the external evaluation committee.
Graduate dynamics in Denmark: Descriptive analysis
Unpublished
Aalborg University
2019
- Descriptive data analysis of the migration patters of graduates in Denmark
Sektorbalancer i Danmark efter krisen
Mod strømmen - en stridsmand fylder 70: Et festskrift til Jesper Jespersen.
Aalborg University
2019
- A brief evaluation of sector balance developments in Denmark after the financial crisis
Sports and Recreation
Sports
Various clubs
Aalborg, Denmark
2019
- When time allows for it, I take the opportunity to play golf or squash, I swim and run for fitness and when possible, skiing, surfing and snowboarding.
- When the opportunity presents itself I also love to step into a pair of skis or onto a snowboard.
Recreation
Travel, wine and dine
Aalborg, Denmark
2019
- Travel and exploration are certainly a passion, appreciation for hot sunny beach has definitely grown since moving to Denmark.
- Whenever something needs celebrating, we take advantage of one of the number of great restaurants emerging in Aalborg city centre.
Social Responsibility
Accounts representative
Præstelunden Husejerforening
Aalborg Øst
2019 - 2018
Board Member
Rækkehusforeningen Præstelunden
Aalborg Øst
2019